Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has alleged large-scale corruption worth Tk 2,926 crore in six government and private solar power projects implemented under the Awami League government. The findings, released at a press conference in Dhaka, indicate irregularities in land acquisition and inflated project cost estimates, particularly within the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

According to TIB, while BPDB’s standard cost for generating one megawatt of solar power is around Tk 8 crore, the six projects studied were estimated at an average of Tk 13.08 crore per megawatt—over 1.5 times higher. The report also found that five of the projects involved Tk 249 crore in irregularities related to land purchase and acquisition.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the findings highlight systemic weaknesses in project oversight and accountability. The organization urged the government to conduct independent audits and ensure transparency in future renewable energy initiatives to restore public trust and safeguard public funds.

Chevron has emerged as the only foreign oil company still operating in Venezuela, following renewed U.S. sanctions targeting the country's oil tankers. Despite Washington’s full embargo and the cancellation of most operating licenses earlier in 2025, the U.S. energy giant continues production under a special exemption. Chevron operates four oil fields and one offshore gas field in partnership with state-owned PDVSA, employing about 3,000 people.

Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves—around 303 billion barrels—has seen its daily output fall to 800,000–900,000 barrels, down from over 3 million a decade ago. Chevron contributes roughly 10% of current production, exporting 150,000–200,000 barrels daily to the U.S. Analysts note that the heavy, sulfur-rich crude is difficult to refine but strategically important for U.S. Gulf refineries.

Experts suggest Chevron’s continued presence reflects Washington’s geopolitical strategy to prevent China or Russia from filling the vacuum in Venezuela’s energy sector. The company insists its operations comply with U.S. law and contribute to regional stability and energy security.

Kuwait has signed a $4.1 billion agreement with China to construct the Mubarak Al-Kabir port on Bubiyan Island, a key component of the Gulf state’s plan to diversify its economy and expand its role in global trade. The deal, valued at 1.28 billion Kuwaiti dinars, covers engineering, procurement, and construction services, according to Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who emphasized that the project would strengthen Kuwait’s regional and international trade connectivity. China’s acting chargé d’affaires, Liu Xiang, said the agreement reflects Kuwait’s growing involvement in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The two nations had previously signed seven memoranda of understanding in 2023, covering housing, water treatment, and renewable energy projects.

Analysts view the port as a strategic investment that could enhance Kuwait’s logistics capacity and attract foreign trade flows. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the project seen as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s long-term economic diversification strategy.

A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was injured after accidentally shooting himself with his service weapon while on duty in Dharmanagar, Tripura. The injured soldier, identified as Bipin Kumar, 35, from the 97th Battalion, was immediately taken to Dharmanagar District Hospital late Monday night and later transferred to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for advanced treatment.

According to police and BSF officials, the incident occurred in the Maheshpur area during a late-night patrol. Preliminary findings suggest the firearm discharged unintentionally while Kumar was handling it. Authorities have described the incident as accidental and confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

The BSF has ordered a detailed inquiry into the safety protocols followed during the incident. Officials emphasized the importance of strict adherence to weapon-handling procedures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has formally opened the trial of four accused, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers Lt. Col. Redwanul Islam and Major Md. Rafat Bin Alam, in connection with the killing of 28 people during the July uprising in Dhaka’s Rampura area. The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumder, rejected the defendants’ petitions for discharge and set January 20 for opening statements.

The two detained officers were brought to court from prison, where the charges were read out by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud. Both pleaded not guilty and sought justice. The other two accused—former DMP ADC Md. Rashedul Islam and former Rampura Police OC Md. Moshior Rahman—remain fugitives. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam had earlier completed the hearing on charge framing on December 6.

The tribunal’s decision marks a significant step in addressing alleged crimes committed during the July uprising. The upcoming proceedings are expected to examine evidence and witness testimonies to determine accountability for the Rampura killings.

Government documents reveal that Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad’ and listed by police as a top Chattogram criminal, received bail in several murder cases without any state challenge or suspension request. The bail orders, issued between September 15 and 22, 2025, covered seven murder cases involving Sajjad and his wife, Sharmin Akter Tamanna. Despite the gravity of the charges, internal notes from the Attorney General’s Office marked the cases with ‘no objection.’

Additional Attorney General Mohammad Arshadur Rauf, who was acting Attorney General at the time, said he was unaware of Sajjad’s criminal background when approving the decision. He explained that the office handles a large volume of case files, often lacking full background details. After media exposure, Rauf said he personally sought to suspend the bail orders through the Appellate Division.

Police identify Sajjad as a key figure in organized crime, extortion, and murder in Chattogram’s Bayezid and Chandgaon areas. The incident has raised concerns about case management and information flow within the Attorney General’s Office.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has made online income tax return filing mandatory for individual taxpayers from fiscal year 2025–26, implemented through local tech firm Synesis IT. However, NBR has yet to sign a formal contract with the company, despite the system handling sensitive taxpayer data. Officials and experts have voiced concern over potential legal and data security risks arising from this contractless arrangement.

Synesis IT developed the online return software under a European Union grant that expired in mid-2024, after which the firm continued service without payment. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan acknowledged the absence of a contract, citing lengthy government procurement procedures. Synesis officials said they have repeatedly requested a formal agreement, warning of financial strain from providing unpaid services. Some NBR insiders expressed surprise that a mandatory national service operates without a legal framework.

The situation highlights governance and accountability gaps in Bangladesh’s digital tax modernization. While the system has reduced corruption and improved taxpayer convenience, unresolved contracting issues could expose the government to future legal and financial complications if not promptly addressed.

A case has been filed four days after a deadly house fire in Lakshmipur that killed an eight-year-old girl and injured three others. The fire broke out late on December 19 at the home of Belal Hossain, an assistant organizing secretary of the Bhabaniganj Union BNP. Belal, who was also injured, lodged the case on December 23 at Sadar Model Police Station against unidentified assailants.

Police confirmed the filing, stating that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible. The incident left Belal’s daughter Ayesha Akter dead, while his two other daughters, Salma Akter Smriti (17) and Samia Akter Bithi (14), sustained severe burns. Smriti, with 90 percent burns, remains in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s burn unit.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the arson. The case has drawn local attention amid heightened political tensions, as the victim’s father is a local BNP leader. Investigators are focusing on whether the attack was politically motivated or a personal dispute.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to issue an order today to frame charges against four accused, including former Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers Lt. Col. Redwanul Islam and Maj. Md. Rafat Bin Alam, in a case over the killing of 28 people during the so-called July Revolution in Dhaka’s Rampura area. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, will hear the matter with two other members, Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Two of the accused, Redwanul Islam and Rafat Bin Alam, are currently in custody and will be produced before the tribunal, while two others — former DMP ADC Md. Rashedul Islam and former Rampura OC Md. Mashiur Rahman — remain absconding. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam concluded the hearing on charge framing earlier on December 6.

The case marks another significant step in addressing alleged crimes committed during the July Revolution, with the tribunal’s decision expected to shape subsequent proceedings and accountability measures within Bangladesh’s justice system.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of eight bank accounts belonging to Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, and his associates. The order was issued by Vacation Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court following a petition from the case’s investigating officer.

According to the Detective Branch, Hadi was shot on December 12 in the capital’s Paltan area and later died on December 18 while undergoing treatment in Singapore. Following his death, the case was reclassified as a murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reported over Tk 127 crore in suspicious transactions linked to Faisal and related individuals, prompting a separate money laundering probe. The court has also imposed a travel ban on Faisal.

Authorities are now examining the financial trail to determine possible links between the murder and alleged illicit fund movements. Further legal proceedings and forensic financial analyses are expected in the coming weeks.

A video showing a local student leader in Feni, Bangladesh, allegedly blackmailing a young man and woman at gunpoint has gone viral on social media, prompting police investigation and public condemnation. The accused, Anwar Hossain Choton, a former assistant secretary of the Bogadana Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), is seen brandishing a foreign-made pistol while threatening the pair. Following the video’s circulation, Choton reportedly went into hiding, and the victims remain untraced.

Local residents claim Choton and his associates had long been extorting money from young people by trapping them in compromising situations and filming them under duress. Party officials confirmed that Choton currently holds no official position, limiting their ability to take disciplinary action. Feni district JCD leaders urged law enforcement to act swiftly, while police said they are working to identify the victims and locate the suspect.

Authorities believe internal disputes among Choton’s associates may have led to the video’s release. The incident has reignited debate over political impunity and the misuse of party affiliation for criminal activities in local communities.

The Bangladesh government has approved the purchase of 37.5 million liters of edible oil from international sources and 10 million liters locally to prevent an artificial shortage during the upcoming Ramadan. Additionally, 10,000 tons of lentils will be procured. The total cost for the oil purchase is estimated at Tk 642.45 crore, while lentil procurement will cost Tk 72.20 crore. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will distribute these products nationwide.

The approval came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The imports include 20 million liters of soybean oil from Nigeria’s Vidok Farms and Exports Ltd, 12.5 million liters from the U.S.-based Stewart Klobanu Gerhard, and 5 million liters from Malaysia’s C Millennium Trade Sdn Bhd. Locally, one crore liters of rice bran oil will be sourced through open tender from three domestic firms.

Officials stated that the oil will be sold through TCB at prices lower than the government-fixed retail rate but higher than the procurement cost, ensuring no subsidy burden. The move aims to stabilize market prices and ensure adequate supply during the fasting month.

A Dhaka court has ordered nine individuals to be sent to jail in connection with the violent attack, arson, and looting at the office of The Daily Star in Karwan Bazar. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jamshed Alam after the accused were produced before the court. The suspects, hailing from various districts including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, were denied bail following a hearing where both prosecution and defense presented arguments.

According to the case filed at Tejgaon Police Station, the attack occurred around 12:35 a.m. on December 19, when a group of armed assailants entered the newspaper’s premises, assaulted staff, and set multiple floors on fire. The attackers allegedly looted cash and equipment worth approximately BDT 40 crore, damaging CCTV systems and fire safety infrastructure. The incident led to the rescue of 30 employees.

The case was filed by The Daily Star’s Head of Operations, naming 350–400 unidentified suspects. Investigations are ongoing as authorities assess the extent of damages and possible motives behind the attack.

The Office of the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka area. Education Adviser Professor C.R. Abrar visited the victim’s family on behalf of the government, offering condolences and assurances of continued support during this difficult time.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing described the murder as a heinous crime with no justification. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that only the state has the authority to investigate and ensure justice through proper legal procedures. Law enforcement agencies have so far arrested 12 suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.

The government reiterated its pledge to protect all citizens equally, regardless of religion or identity, and called on communities and leaders to reject violence and uphold restraint and humanity. Financial and welfare assistance will be provided to the victim’s family, with authorities maintaining regular contact to ensure continued support.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Kabir, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul Dawood, the prime suspect in the murder of Inquilab Mancha leader Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The order came from Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah after Kabir was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court upon completion of a previous seven-day remand.

According to Detective Branch Inspector Faisal Ahmed, Kabir accompanied Faisal multiple times to Hadi’s office and owned the motorcycle allegedly used in the killing. The prosecution, led by Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki, argued that Kabir’s close ties with Faisal and his possession of the vehicle warranted further interrogation. The court approved five days of additional remand despite Kabir not having legal representation during the hearing.

Investigators are still uncertain whether Faisal has fled the country or remains in hiding. Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify the actual perpetrators behind the high-profile murder that has drawn nationwide attention.